- by Tyler Walter, writing from Fairfax, VA
MLS claims that they have an outrageous amount of parity to drive up fan interest and to give every fan that false hope that their club can win the MLS Cup. Ironically, and on a counterproductive aspect, I think it’s irritating people that there’s no super-club or no clear dominate team for people to hate on. And this week was full of it, or in some cases, I believe it was a lack of mentality for stronger MLS sides falling to MLS sides that are in shambles. Plus it makes doing Power Rankings obnoxious, as only one team (Seattle) remained in the same posistion as the previous week.
1. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Last Week: 7
Result: W 4-2 @ DC
Last Five: W-W-T-W-W
About a month ago, who would have though the Earthquakes would top the Power Rankings chart? A ton of credit goes to the ‘Quakes Stephen Lenhart. Contributing to all four goals, through a hat trick and an assist, Lenhart singlehandedly propelled San Jose in a high-scoring, thrilling road victory against a revamped United. Not to mention their grit to whether off United’s comeback.
2. REAL SALT LAKE
Last Week: 4
Result: T 1-1 @ PHI
Last Five: T-T-L-W-T
Looks like the Champions League hangover has past Salt Lake as they earn a solid point in the hostile PPL Park. The looming thought is how Saborio will factor into the RSL lineup on his return. Yes, he will probably regain his starting role, but will he contribute to the score sheet in any manner?
3. LOS ANGELES GALAXY
Last Week: 2
Result: T 2-2 vs. TOR
Last Five: W-W-W-T-T
Time to wave the Gold Cup excuse in the air. A bendy midfield and defense allowed the typical laughingstock (in terms of play) team in MLS, Toronto FC have a ball on the Home Depot Center’s pitch. Especially ex-Galaxy striker, Alan Gordon.
4. PHILADELPHIA UNION
Last Week: 3
Result: T 1-1 vs. RSL
Last Five: L-W-W-T-T
A draw at home against a deep Real Salt Lake-side along with a long awaited home win for New York has tentatively dropped Philly to second in the East, by the virtue of goal differential. However, the Union have played one less match than New York. They’ll need to keep up their top heavy defense (which has allowed the fewest goals in league play) to
5. FC DALLAS
Last Week: 1
Result: L 1-4 vs. SKC
Last Five: T-W-T-W-L
Not going to lie. The way Dallas was dismantled by Kansas City was more stunning than Panama squeaking past the United States. Is Dallas the better team? Sure they are; however, the Hoops will need to show the same grit, determination, or at least give some effort. Just whiz through Sporting’s defense like Shea did for his goal.
6. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
Last Week: 6
Result: T 2-2 vs. VAN
Last Five: W-L-W-T-T
Hate to give excuses, but conceding a penalty kick, and attempt to stop that wonder goal was down right impossible for Seattle. They may have tied at home, but I don’t believe their playing or performance was weak enough to be docked a few positions. That being said, it certainly was not enough in any shape to go anywhere. Consequently, the Sounders are the only MLS side to retain the same posistion as the previous week.
7. NEW YORK RED BULLS
Last Week: 9
Result: W 2-1 vs. NE
Last Five: T-T-T-T-W
Henry continues his DP-like role for 2011 to help a B+ New York side earn a sludgy win against league to their shortcoming rivals from up the I-95 corridor. Still, I would not say there was a enough taken from this match to put New York back in the top spots. I mean, it is their first win since April.
8. D.C. UNITED
Last Week: 5
Result: L 2-4 vs. SJ
Last Five: T-T-W-T-L
After their previous two outings, you’d think the Black-and-Red would continue their form back at home. Well, I think more of it had to do with some questionable decision with Hamid’s keeping. The silver lining in this loss is the return of Najar, the potential of Brettschneider and the flashy thrill of United’s offense. This team always creates high scoring thrills and are arguably the most entertaining team to watch in MLS.
9. COLORADO RAPIDS
Last Week: 12
Result: W 1-0 @ POR
Last Five: L-L-T-T-W
Following United’s footsteps, the Rapids become the second MLS club to hand the Timbers an unwonted, yet increasingly common, loss in the confines of Jeld-Wen Field. Still, the form Colorado played is what has been expected all season long. Hopefully this sparks a strong unbeaten run that can include strong Group Stage play in the CONCACAF Champions League.
10. CHIVAS USA
Last Week: 8
Result: L 1-2 @ HOU
Last Five: L-T-T-W-L
In the blink of the eye thoughts went from “Fraser out in 2012” to “the Goats better hold on to Fraser”. Chivas is looking their best since they heydays four years back.
11. HOUSTON DYNAMO
Last Week: 14
Result: W 2-1 vs. CHV
Last Five: T-L-T-L-W
Thanks to losses for Columbus and D.C. United, the former unanticipated, the latter a crapshoot, the Dynamo’s hardworking 2-1 victory has propelled them into the final guaranteed post-season spot. The only reason though they remain below the Crew and United is simply because their form has not really matched their until about now.
12. CHICAGO FIRE
Last Week: 13
Result: W 1-0 @ CLB
Last Five: T-L-T-T-W
Credit to the Fire for going to Crew Stadium and playing some scrappy ball to outmuscle the favorites. They’re going to need to have more matches like that on the road before I can determine if the club can recover under Klopas, or they are simply plucking out that occasional victory in 2011.
13. SPORTING KANSAS CITY
Last Week: 15
Result: W 4-1 @ FCD
Last Five: L-L-T-T-W
Yum, parity. Whether it was simply refreshing to play at home for once, or nice to only travel down the I-35 corridor to Dallas, Kansas City showed up to play. I’d say it was for pride. Regardless of whether or not it was pride, Sporting showed up to play, and in spite of a poor midfield and defensive display early on, along with an ejection, Sporting played inspiringly well.
14. COLUMBUS CREW
Last Week: 10
Result: L 0-1 vs. CHI
Last Five: T-L-L-T-L
Just like their follow Hunt-owned counterparts, the Crew put on an uninspiring performance while hosting one of the league’s worst teams.
15. PORTLAND TIMBERS
Last Week: 11
Result: L 0-1 vs. COL
Last Five: T-W-L-L-L
It’s about time the MLS newcomers started playing like an expansion team, or in Spencer’s case “a promoted team”. Additionally, it’s strange to see this, but it’s rather refreshing to see the Rapids finally regain some momentum to muster out a victory. Let alone a victory on the road.
16. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
Last Week: 17
Result: T 2-2 @ SEA
Last Five: T-L-T-L-T
You cannot talk about the Vancouver Whitecaps without talking about Hassli’s incredible wonder-goal. Does anyone agree that it reminds them of Clint Dempsey’s wonder-chip in the Europa League? I sure as hell do. In fact, that’s what came to mind while looking at the highlight reel of his strike. Luck? Maybe, but it’s a certain Goal of the Year nominee, if not clear-cut winner. Not only was it arguably the best ever in MLS history, but gave the ‘Caps a crucial point on the road against their Cascadia derby rivals.
17. TORONTO FC
Last Week: 18
Result: T 2-2 @ LA
Last Five: T-T-L-T-T
For Alan Gordon, he could have not asked for better homecoming, propelling the visitors to a rare – and rather unanticipated – draw on the road.
18. NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
Last Week: 16
Result: L 1-2 @ NY
Last Five: W-L-L-L-L
Honestly, New England’s losses have not been drastic or blow outs like some fellow teams. However, they’re on a four-match losing streak, and that’s not exactly something to prevent you from being in the cellar of these power ranki
